Tech firms are among more than 20 businesses across the North West which will sleep on the streets of Manchester to help tackle the issue of homelessness.
Companies including AO.com, Deloitte, PwC and Eversheds Sutherland have signed up to the Booth Centre’s annual Manchester Sleepout on 10th November, tasking team members to experience some of the challenges of sleeping rough for one night in aid of the charity.
Trustees of the Booth Centre Mylo Kaye, founder and CEO, Dreamr and Toni Phoenix, director at Digital Gurus, will also be joining the Manchester Sleepout in support of the charity.
The event aims to galvanise the community, help to raise vital funds for the charity and increase awareness of how it brings about positive long-term change to the lives of those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in the city.
Over 350 participants have already signed up to take part in this year’s Manchester Sleepout, which aims to raise over £60,000 to help the charity continue delivering its life-changing work.
As well as offering food, shelter and creating a supportive community, the Booth Centre provides a variety of different services to help people rebuild their lives and integrate themselves back into the community, including arts and sports sessions, education and training workshops, employment advice and support in finding and moving into accommodation.
Claire Handby, director at Deloitte in the North West, commented: “Homelessness is a massively prevalent issue in Manchester and we are determined to play our part in helping to address this in a sustainable way, which is why we decided to take part in this year’s Sleepout for the Booth Centre.
“The charity’s admirable work is getting people off the streets and back into proper accommodation and employment, rather than offering a short-term fix to daily issues.
“Homelessness needs to be tackled with a long-term solution, in a caring and compassionate way.
“The Centre is making a real difference and we’re proud to support a charity that is willing to go one step further.”
Amanda Croome, CEO at the Booth Centre, said: “As a charity, we rely on donations and the support we receive from the community and local businesses.
“Anyone can become homeless at any point in their lives, and although the Manchester Sleepout offers just a glimpse of what that feels like, the event helps participants empathise with people who find themselves in that situation.
“The number of businesses that have stepped forward this year to take part in the Sleepout is inspiring. Homelessness is a huge issue, but with a combined effort, we can make a long-term positive change to people’s lives.
“Thanks to everyone taking part, from businesses, to community groups, faith organisations and individuals, you’re making a real difference.”
The list of businesses supporting this year’s event include: AO.com, BCL Legal, Convergys, The Co-op, Cruden, Deloitte, Digital Gurus, Dreamr, Eversheds Sutherland, Fitchner Consulting Engineers, KMS Media, Marks & Spencer, Manchester Outsourcing, MC2, N Brown Group, PwC, Renaissance Hotel, Santander, Selfridges, Think Money, Ward Hadaway, WRG.
Sponsors for this year’s event are Renaissance Hotel, Manchester Cathedral and Ground Patrol Productions.